By Tadiwa Jery
The origin of grafted fruit trees dates back to as early as 2000BC where farmers from different parts of the world used this technique to increase their fruit harvest. Unlike the traditional way of fruit tree growing were reproduction normally takes up to 9 – 15 years, grafting has allowed horticulture farmers to harvest their produce in as early as two years after the grafting process.
Grafting is a horticultural technique whereby tissues of plants are joined so that they continue growing together. This process also protects the desired fruit tree from being affected by the environment in a way that will hinder its growth and yield.
In Zimbabwe, numerous agricultural organisations have established their presence in this market. Some of the organisations include, Sanwa Trees, Classimart, Grafted fruit trees one-stop shop, One decision fruit trees and Agri Universe. Investing in a grafted tree will range from as little as $3 to as much as $10 or more. This gives horticulture farmers in the country the chance to participate in using this technique in growing their fruit trees.
Under the food and nutrition section in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the government stated that focus will be directed towards emerging crops which have high demand on the export market. Macadamia nuts are among the crops mentioned and in Zimbabwe these are normally grafted to another species of Macadamia (tetraphylla), which has a better rootstock which is resistant to infections that will affect the quality and quantity of the produce as compared to the tree itself.
Grafted fruit trees minimise the limits that horticulture farmers normally face in fruit tree growing. To increase the variety of the fruits offered in our local market and to meet the international standards for export purposes, grafted trees have become essential in helping farmers to increase productivity and save money when growing fruit trees.
